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Artist’s work stars in Art on the Mall poster |
| By
Cynthia Nowak |
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Jul 24, 2007 |
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Check out the poster for the 2007 Art on the Mall that celebrates the event’s 15th anniversary. The artwork showcased came from the hand (and mouth) of Larry “Lars” Mack, who owns Lars Glass Originals in Holland, Ohio, and works out of Firenation Glass Studio and Gallery in Holland.
Mack is among 111 artists who will be featured during this year’s juried art fair. The free, public event will take place Sunday, July 29, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Centennial Mall on Main Campus.
The 1972 UT alumnus took up the torch full time 10 years ago and found a niche in garden art — butterfly and bird feeders, mobiles, wind chimes.
As a foretaste of Art on the Mall, Mack was happy to share a few of his ideas and insights on being an artist in glass.
What makes glass so special?
It's fluid in the beginning and changes its look as it cools. It's a wonderful surprise to see what you've made as it emerges from the annealing oven. Its changes can be spectacular.
How'd you get into glassblowing?
Since I was a child, I've been fascinated with the look of glass and how it handles light. I'm a big fan of old German glass ornaments.
Any mentors or sources of artistic inspiration you'd like to mention?
Actually, the opposite has occurred for me. All through grade school and high school, my teachers would say I had no creative talent. I even had a couple of nuns who would not give their approval for me to attend art classes outside the school.
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| Larry Mack checked out his "A" work. |
Three things that every glass artist needs to bring to his/her work:
Patience, quick thinking and plenty of fluids to drink.
What makes your glass pieces particularly you?
I thoroughly enjoy combining glass with other media such as copper, brass, steel, granite and stone. I have grown to consider myself as a mixed-media artist.
Do you ever have a hard time parting with a piece of your art?
All the time, and my wife's even more so! But unlike my customers, I can make another one for me.
A dangerous art? Ever get burned?
No, just challenging and yes, I've been burned a few times.
How many years have you been involved in Art on the Mall?
I'm not sure but I think 12 years.
Any particularly good stories associated with Art on the Mall?
In 1996, I was so sick during the show that I had to hire two people and my wife to help sell my work. What was so special about the show for me was I only took home a few items at the end of the day and at times during the day the buyer's line was six persons deep.
In its completed state, he added, the piece in the art poster will be a highlight of the UT Alumni Association’s Art on the Mall Kick-Off Gala Saturday, July 28, at 6 p.m. in the Student Union Auditorium on Main Campus. Guests can enjoy food, drink and music, and bid on artwork during a silent auction. Tickets are $50.
To purchase tickets for the gala or for more information, contact the UT Alumni Association at 419.530.ALUM (2586), toll-free at 800.235.6766 or visit www.toledoalumni.org.
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